Car rental giant Hertz has notified its customers of a data breach that exposed their personal information, driver’s licenses, and payment card details. The breach occurred between October 2024 and December 2024, when a vendor, Cleo, was targeted by a Russia-linked ransomware gang. The affected customers are from various regions, including Australia, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and several U.S. states.
Forecast for 6 months: In the next 6 months, we can expect a significant increase in identity theft cases related to the Hertz data breach. As a result, law enforcement agencies will likely see a surge in reports of stolen identities, and consumers will need to be more vigilant about monitoring their credit reports and financial accounts.
Forecast for 1 year: Within the next year, Hertz will likely face intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies and customers, leading to a significant overhaul of their cybersecurity measures. This may include investing in more robust security protocols, conducting thorough risk assessments, and implementing regular security audits to prevent similar breaches in the future.
Forecast for 5 years: In the next 5 years, the Hertz data breach will likely become a catalyst for more stringent data protection regulations globally. Governments will likely impose stricter penalties for companies that fail to protect customer data, and consumers will demand more transparency and accountability from businesses regarding their data handling practices.
Forecast for 10 years: Within the next decade, the Hertz data breach will be remembered as a turning point in the history of data protection. As a result of this breach and others like it, companies will prioritize cybersecurity and data protection, and consumers will become more aware of the importance of protecting their personal data. This will lead to a significant reduction in data breaches and identity theft cases.
